Six Flags Celebrates 30 Years of the American Eagle

This weekend, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois opened its doors for the season. 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the park’s popular American Eagle (1981) wooden roller coaster. The racing woodie held the world record for tallest drop on a coaster for some time and remains an iconic attraction for the park.

To celebrate the anniversary, the park offered a special admission price of $19.81 for opening weekend.

The kind folks at Six Flags sent along some archival photos and footage of the ride being constructed. For more information on visiting the park, check out www.sixflags.com.

construction of the signature helix

lowering supports into place for the helix

nearly all the track is completed

working on the main drop

looking back down the lift hill to the not-yet-built station

looking out over the crest of the lift hill to the helix under construction